Rep. Pressley blasts Trump in first comments on House floor

January 8, 2019

BOSTON (AP) — Newly-minted U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley used her first comments on the floor of the House of Representatives to blast President Donald Trump and the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.

During the minute-long speech Tuesday, the Massachusetts Democrat said the shutdown has nothing to do with border security. She said Trump has dishonored his oath of office and brought down what she called “a tsunami of hurt” on federal workers and those who rely on government services.

Pressley was sworn in to her first term in Congress last week. Pressley defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Michael Capuano in the Democratic primary last year to become the first black woman elected to represent Massachusetts in Congress.

She and Rep. Lori Trahan are the newest members of the state’s all-Democratic Congressional delegation.